Overview Capri, Ischia & Procida – exploring the three islands of the world’s most famous Bay

The Bay of Naples is one of the most spectacular areas on Earth, with a tremendous wealth of both natural and cultural treasures. It presents beautiful diverse landscapes and an amazing amount of history. The Bay of Naples is dominated the world’s most famous volcano, Mount Vesuvius (Italian: Vesuvio), the only volcano on the European mainland to have erupted within the last hundred years. The Vesuvius is best known for its eruption in AD 79 that led to the destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, a must for history buffs – and everybody else.

A particular part of the charm of the Bay of Naples can be found on its three main islands, all different, all beautiful. During this tour you’ll visit all threes: of course Capri, the most famous of the three, but also Ischia and Procida.

You start your tour on the smallest and least known island: Procida. Like its big neighbour, Ischia, also Procida is of volcanic origin. Its beauty lays in its coloured houses and picturesque inlets, which were the setting for the movie ‘Il Postino’. A particular place is the uninhabited island of Vivara, linked to Procida by a pedestrian bridge.

Then you travel on to the biggest of the three, Ischia, known as the ‘green island’, with mountains rising up over 2000 feet, and famous for its almost subtropical climate and its thermal spa’s, already since Roman times. On Ischia you make a number of beautiful and varied walks: from the medieval castle to cave dwellings, through forests and along deserted beaches, through nice historic villages and amazing terraced vineyards. Also can you walk through a number of extinct volcanoes. Then they travel on to the world famous island of Capri, the last stop on this tour. Capri, unlike the other two islands, is made of chalkstone, as it is the natural continuation of the Amalfi Coast. This makes up for its particular features, like the world-famous ‘Faraglioni’, its natural arch and its impressive cliffs. But if you wish you will visit also its amazing Roman villa’s and you can also indulge in its fashionable ‘dolce vita’

Please note: this is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for those who have some experience with walking and a good general physical condition. Most of the walks are on good paths, some of them just recently restored by the local authorities. Part of the paths is waymarked. Elsewhere it is necessary to follow the route notes provided together with the maps.Average walking times: approx from 3 to 5 hours each day.* UPGRADE POSSIBLE. The premises where you stay during this tour are all very special, and full of historical interest. The standard of the touris 3 stars. Both upgrades and cheaper versions are available. Details and prices on request.

Day-to-Day

Day 1

Arrival in Naples. By shuttle bus you drive to the harbour, for the short crossing to the picturesque island of Procida, probably the least known of the 3 big islands in the Bay of Naples. You are picked up from the harbour and settle in your hotel. Perhaps you have some time for a first stroll already, before going for dinner in one of the great (fish) restaurants of the island.

Hotel *** – Procida

Day 2

After breakfast you start a beautiful round walk to discover this most authentic island of the Bay of Naples, with its colourful houses and idyllic fishing harbours. Procida is only a small island, and therefore it’s possible to ‘do’ the whole island in one day. You first pass through the narrow streets and walk up to the historical heart of the island, ‘Terra Murata’, or ‘walled land’, dominated by its castle, from where you’ll enjoy marvellous views. Then it brings you to one of the most picturesque spots of Italy, the small fishing harbour of Corricella. Its unique setting and coloured houses were used as movie set for “Il Postino”. Here you will need some time to look around and take pictures. Along the south-eastern coast you then continue the walk along the wooded headlands of Pizzico and Solchiaro. The walk ends at the charming small harbour of Chiaiolella, where you have time for a swim on the large sandy beach or drink a glass on one of its terraces, before returning to your hotel. Those who still have energy can extend the walk and explore the small island of Vivara, linked to Procida by a small (pedestrian) bridge. This island, the ridge of an old volcano, is now a nature reserve and one of the last bits of unspoilt nature in the area. Walk through a timeless Mediterranean landscape, through green forests and with the blue sea all around.

Hotel *** – Procida Distance: 7-10 km. Approx. 3- 4,5 h. walking

Day 3

This morning you’ll have some more time to discover the northern side of the island, or in case you didn’t have the time yesterday, visit the small island of Vivara. Or just make a last stroll and have a drink at the colourful harbour! Then you are brought to the harbour to take the boat for the short crossing to the island of Ischia, known as the ‘Green Island’, the biggest island of the Bay of Naples. A taxi transfer to your hotel is organised for you, but we suggest to leave only your luggage to the taxi driver and wandering around a bit in Ischia Porto, and then do the short walk from the harbour to the castle where you sleep, through the pretty streets of the old town centre. The last short stretch in the fortified island itself is very scenic and has beautiful viewpoints on the city centre. You sleep in a beautiful hotel, inside the old medieval castle of Ischia, built on a rocky island off-shore, which certainly deserves to be explored as well. In the evening you can dine on some local fish specialty in the colourful harbour of Corricella or opt for a dinner with great views on the terrace of your hotel.

From your hotel in the castle you walk down through the intriguing alleys of the fortified rock to the bridge which links the castle to the old town centre. From here you start a linear walk along the beautiful south coast of the island, through a spectacular landscape of terraced vineyards and fantastic lava sculptures, with unforgettable views over the Bay of Naples and Capri. The first part of the walk goes over the cliffs, through vineyards sculpted like Asian paddy fields and small hamlets. Then you pass the small hamlet of Testaccio, from where you descend to the large sandy beach of Marina dei Maronti. Just behind the beach there are several narrow canyons with thermal springs, known since Roman times. If you have time you can go for a dip! Along the beach you then walk to the charming fishing village of Sant’Angelo, from where you take the bus back to the hotel.

Today you’ll discover the mountains of the island, a chain of extinct volcano which occupy the whole central part of the island. First you gain some height by bus, your walk starts either in the hamlet of Fiaiano or in the small village of Fontana (several longer/shorter options possible), where you have the time for a coffee. From here you walk up to the Monte Epomeo, the highest mountain of the island, and then to the Capo dell’Uomo, Ischia’s second mountain. All this is along easy, comfortable paths. Through forested areas and vineyards, along rock dwelling of monks and hermits, and always with incredible views over the sea, you walking down to Ischia’s most western village, Forio. After a stroll through its pleasant town centre, you take the bus along the north coast back to Ischia Porto. If you still have some energy, you can make a short walk to one of the most interesting volcano’s of the island, the Fondo dell’Oglio.

In the morning your taxi brings you to the harbour, where you take the boat to the rightly famous island of Capri, the island where already the roman emperors liked to come as tourists, and that since then never lost its fame (off season you travel through Naples). You settle in your hotel in the less touristy Anacapri, more rural and mountainous. By chair lift (‘funicolare’) you then travel up to the highest mountain of the island, the Mount Solaro, from where you can enjoy marvellous views over the island, the Bay of Naples, the Bay of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast. Descending along the ridge you slowly walk down to the light house at the very west end of the island, where you can perhaps enjoy the clear sea water. The walk then continues along the coast, passing along a series of fortresses, partly built by the English troops to defend the island from the fleet of Napoleon, on recently restored. The walk ends at the world famous ‘Grotta Azzurra’ (‘Blue Grotto’), from where you travel back by bus to your hotel (optional walk possible). In the evening you’ll have the choice of many romantic restaurants.

Hotel *** – Capri. Distance: 9 km. Approx. 4 h. walking

Day 7

The last walking day is dedicated to the more famous side of the island of Capri, to see the places that have inspired so many over the centuries, and have always attracted the global jet set. Of course you do not only see the ‘touristy’ highlights, but you also make a beautiful round walk along the almost pristine South Coast. First you pass the ‘Piazzetta’ and the charming backstreets of Capri, with their clear Moresque influence, then you walk up to the ruins of one of the most impressive roman villa’s of the area, and moreover in an exceptional location, the Villa Iovis, with world class views. On your way up you also pass the exceptional Villa Lysis, rather unknown, but one of the best spots of Capri ! Descending towards the untouched coastline of the southern part of the island, you come along the Arco Naturale, the natural bridge, many grotto’s and finally the famous Faraglioni, three uninhabited small islands, just of the South coast. Through the Gardens of August and the impressive Via Krupp, perhaps the world’s most beautiful pedestrian way, you descend to the charming Marina Piccola, from where you travel back by local bus to your hotel. T his walk can be extended or shortened in many ways, according to your wish to dedicate to walking, relaxing or shopping.

Hotel ***- CapriDistance: 10 km. Approx. 4-5 h. walking

Day 8

After breakfast you return by boat to Naples and by shuttle bus to the airport. Extra nights can be booked in a hotel in the city centre or in any other place (upon request).

Tour details

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

Accommodation is mostly bed and breakfast basis (on one day an evening meal is included – see inclusions) in very good 3-star hotels. All rooms have en-suite facilities. When dinners are not included, you will be free to organise your dinner. You can either eat at the premises of the hotel (recommended in Ischia !) or choose from the wide choice of restaurants in the area. Your accommodation holder can give you good tips. No picnic lunches are included in the tour price, but these can be prepared for you by the accommodation holders, or materials for picnics can be purchased in the villages where you stay.

Nights 1 & 2:

The first nights you stay on the idyllic island of Procida, according to your choice in a nice 3-star hotel with a big garden, or a beautiful 4-star hotel in the historical centre.

Night 3, 4 & 5:

You stay in an exclusive hotel in the ancient monastery of Ischia, located on its ‘Rocca’, a small rocky island linked to the main island by a bridge. A wonderful and quiet setting, yet at walking distance from the town centre with its many bars and restaurants and attached to the Aragonese castle.

Night 6 & 7:

The last nights are spent in a beautiful and comfortable 3-star hotel, the ex-residence of the Queen of Sweden. It is located in a stunning botanical setting of various exotic plants and trees such as palms, pines, mangroves and ficus, with a sunny exposure and gentle sea breeze!

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

Moderately easy (2): Mostly easy walks, but with nonetheless some walking uphill, sometimes on paths with rough surfaces. On some days some stretches are difficult for those suffering from vertigo (but NOT dangerous !). On these days alternative options are available. Extensions or shortcuts are also possible on many days.

Fitness: High standard of fitness is not necessary but you should be able to walk for up to 5 hours a day in hot sun on dusty or stony tracks.

FOOT PATHS & WAYMARKING

Most paths are well maintained, but during the season some paths can get overgrown (we are in continuous contact with local authorities to keep the paths clean – please help us by providing you feedback on the quality of the paths). Both on Procida and on Capri, many parts of the route that you follow are paved (pedestrian) alleyways.

Waymarking:

Only a small part of the route is waymarked; elsewhere it is necessary to follow the route descriptions provided together with the maps. With these it is always possible to find your route. In case you don’t feel confident a local guide can be provided for some trails

The tour starts in PROCIDA; a pick-up service (included) is arranged from the harbour. Procida can be reached by berry or hydrofoil from Naples, the nearest city with an international airport /train station. The boat ride takes about half an hour.

Departure: The tour ends after breakfast on day 8 in CAPRI. A short transfer brings you to the harbour (included), from where you travel back by boat to Naples (or in case you extend your holiday to Sorrento or Salerno).

EXTRA NIGHTS

It is possible to include extra nights in any of the accommodations en route. As well is it possible to extend your tour with a few days In Sorrento, Salerno, Naples, or along the Amalfi Coast. Details and prices on request.

UPGRADE

It is possible to book an upgrade in some of the places en route. Details and prices on request.

It is possible to include extra nights in any of the accommodations en route. As well is it possible to extend your tour with a few days in Sorrento, Salerno, Naples, or along the Amalfi Coast. Details and prices on request.

UPGRADE It is possible to book an upgrade (4-star hotel) in Procida. On Capri there is a large choice of upgrades possible, in Anacapri as well as in Capri. Details and prices on request. On Ischia – for the very special quality of our standard 3*** hotel – we recommend staying there. However, on request, several 4- and 5-star hotels can be booked.

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